EP3171459A1 - Electrical connector with a terminal position assurance device - Google Patents
Electrical connector with a terminal position assurance device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3171459A1 EP3171459A1 EP16199420.7A EP16199420A EP3171459A1 EP 3171459 A1 EP3171459 A1 EP 3171459A1 EP 16199420 A EP16199420 A EP 16199420A EP 3171459 A1 EP3171459 A1 EP 3171459A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- terminal
- electrical
- locking
- tpa device
- internal cavity
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
- H01R13/42—Securing in a demountable manner
- H01R13/436—Securing a plurality of contact members by one locking piece or operation
- H01R13/4361—Insertion of locking piece perpendicular to direction of contact insertion
- H01R13/4362—Insertion of locking piece perpendicular to direction of contact insertion comprising a temporary and a final locking position
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
- H01R13/502—Bases; Cases composed of different pieces
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
- H01R13/42—Securing in a demountable manner
- H01R13/424—Securing in base or case composed of a plurality of insulating parts having at least one resilient insulating part
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
- H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
- H01R13/639—Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
- H01R2201/26—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for vehicles
Definitions
- the invention relates to electrical connectors, and more particularly relates to an electrical connector including a terminal position assurance device having two sets of terminal locking features.
- Electrical terminals locked into a connector housing are subject to retention strength performance issues, especially with the smaller size categories of terminals (e.g. less than 2.8 mm). These smaller terminals historically have used scaled down locking features, which inherently have reduced locking retention strength and allow excessive terminal float. An excessively floating terminal can stub during mating, resulting in the terminal pushing out, and/or terminal damage especially if the retention strength within the connector housing is low. Within the automotive industry, inadequately locked terminals which pull out or push out, are recognized as the second highest root cause for failure of electrical connector systems within the vehicle warranty period.
- Electrical connectors typically comprise internal cavities that are intended to accommodate electrical (male and/or female) terminals inserted from a rear face of the electrical connector. To ensure a well and safe functioning of the connector, it has to be ensured that the electrical terminals are locked in place within the electrical connector.
- a solution known in the art includes providing a primary locking feature in form of a resilient retaining shoulder for preventing rearward withdrawal of the electrical terminals.
- the retaining shoulder which is formed in the electrical connector, is designed to make a snap fit into a corresponding recess of the electrical connector at the end of the insertion of the electrical connector.
- a flexible retaining member is thereby disposed contiguously between the internal cavity and a slot, into which the retaining member can deflect.
- the retaining shoulder is formed on the face of the flexible retaining member that communicates with the internal cavity, such that on inserting the electrical terminal into the internal cavity, the retaining member first deflects in the slot before the retaining shoulder engages the recess of the electrical terminal.
- the secondary locking mechanism known in the art requires a locking member being inserted frontward of the electrical connector in the direction opposite to that of the insertion of the electrical terminal.
- the configuration of the electrical connector may be such that a frontward insertion of the locking member is not possible, e.g. because there is not enough space at the front face side.
- the retaining members in connectors used with smaller terminals may easily buckle, terminal tangs may bend, and secondary locking mechanism may provide limited additional strength due to packaging constraints with terminals smaller than 2.8 mm.
- an electrical connector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, includes a first electrical terminal, a second electrical terminal and a connector housing defining a first internal cavity and a second internal cavity. Each cavity extends along a longitudinal axis from a first face of the connector housing to a second face of the connector housing.
- the first and second internal cavities are configured to receive the first and second electrical terminals respectively.
- the connector housing further defines a third internal cavity extending along a lateral axis transverse to the longitudinal axis.
- the third internal cavity is in communication with the first and second internal cavities.
- the electrical connector further includes a terminal position assurance (TPA) device configured to be received within the third internal cavity.
- TPA terminal position assurance
- the TPA device is moveable from a terminal insertion position within the third internal cavity to a terminal locking position.
- the TPA device has flexible first and second primary locking features that are configured to engage corresponding locking surfaces of the first and second electrical terminals respectively.
- the primary locking features are effective to secure the first and second electrical terminals within the first and second internal cavities respectively when the TPA device is in the terminal insertion position within the third internal cavity.
- the TPA device also has rigid first and second secondary locking features.
- the second secondary locking feature and the first and second primary locking features are configured to engage the locking surface of the second electrical terminal effective to secure the second electrical terminal within the second internal cavity when the TPA device is in the terminal locking position.
- the first and second primary locking features engage distal portions of the locking surface of the second electrical terminal and the second secondary locking feature engages a mesial portion of the corresponding locking feature of the second electrical terminal.
- only the first primary locking feature and the first secondary locking feature is engaged with the locking surface of the first electrical terminal to secure the first electrical terminal within the first internal cavity when the TPA device is in the terminal locking position.
- the first primary locking feature may engage a distal portion of the locking surface of the first electrical terminal and the first secondary locking feature engages a mesial portion of the locking surface of the first electrical terminal.
- the first secondary locking feature may further engage another distal of the locking surface of the first electrical terminal.
- the TPA device is configured to move from the terminal insertion position to the terminal locking position along the lateral axis and move transversely relative to the longitudinal axis.
- the TPA device is configured to be inserted in the third internal cavity transversally to the first and second internal cavities through a lateral opening defined by the connector housing.
- Each primary locking feature comprises a flexible beam that is attached at one end to a cross bar of the TPA device.
- a free end of the flexible beam defines a first lock shoulder.
- Each secondary locking feature of the TPA device defines a rigid second lock shoulder defined by the cross bar of the TPA device.
- the first lock shoulder of the flexible beam engages the locking surface of the corresponding electrical terminal when the TPA devices is in the terminal insertion position and in the terminal locking position.
- the second lock shoulder engages the locking surface of the corresponding electrical terminal when the TPA devices is in the terminal locking position.
- an electrical connector including a moveable terminal position assurance (TPA) device.
- the TPA device secures the contacts or terminals of the connector within cavities in the connector housing once the terminals are fully inserted within the housing.
- the TPA device incorporates a flexible primary lock finger to engage a lock ridge of a terminal thus locating and securing the terminal within a cavity as the terminal is inserted into the cavity while the TPA device is in a terminal insertion position. After insertion of all the terminals into the cavities of the connector housing, the TPA device is moved to a terminal locking position. This movement to the terminal locking position engages a rigid secondary lock on the TPA device with the lock ridge of the terminal in addition to the primary lock finger to further secure the terminal within the cavity.
- a connector housing 14 of the electrical connector 10 has a first internal cavity 16a, hereinafter referred to as a terminal cavity 16a that extends along a longitudinal axis X of the connector housing 14 from an opening 18a in a first face 20, hereinafter referred to as an insertion end 20, of the connector housing 14 to an opening 22a into an integral socket 24 in a second face 26, hereinafter referred to as a mating end 26, of the connector housing 14.
- the connector housing 14 has a second internal cavity 16b, hereinafter referred to as an adjacent terminal cavity 16b, that also extends along the longitudinal axis X from an opening 18b in the insertion end 20 to an opening 22b in the mating end 26.
- the connector housing 14 also has third internal cavity 28 that extends along a lateral axis Y of the connector housing 14 that is transverse, or generally perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis X.
- generally perpendicular is ⁇ 10° of absolutely perpendicular.
- This third internal cavity 28 defines an opening 30 in a lateral wall 32 of the connector housing 14 that is configured to receive a terminal position assurance (TPA) device 34 that is configured to secure electrical terminals 36a, 36b within the terminal cavities 16a, 16b once the terminals 36a, 36b are fully inserted within the terminal cavities 16a, 16b.
- TPA terminal position assurance
- the TPA device 34 is formed of a dielectric material, such as polyamide, polypropylene, or polybutylene terephthalate. At least one wall 38 of the terminal cavities 16a, 16b is open to and in communication with the third internal cavity 28, hereinafter referred to as a TPA cavity 28.
- the TPA device 34 is movable within the TPA cavity 28 from an terminal insertion position 39 in which the TPA device 34 is disposed before the terminal 36 is inserted into the terminal cavity 16 to a terminal locking position 41 in which the TPA device 34 is disposed after the terminal 36 is fully inserted within the terminal cavity 16.
- the TPA device 34 includes flexible primary locking features 40a, 40b and rigid secondary locking features 42a, 42b each configured to secure the terminals 36a, 36b within the terminal cavities 16a, 16b.
- the secondary locking features 42a, 42b are laterally adjacent the primary locking features 40a, 40b respectively.
- the TPA device 34 and the TPA cavity 28 are configured to that the TPA device 34 slides laterally within the TPA cavity 28.
- the primary locking features 40a, 40b include flexible beams 44 that are attached at one end to the TPA device 34.
- the flexible beams 44 extend along the longitudinal axis X.
- An unattached end 50 of each flexible beam 44 defines a ramp 52 that slopes toward the insertion end 20 of the connector housing 14.
- the ramp 52 leads to a first lock shoulder 54 that is preferably, but not necessarily, set at a slight back angle.
- the primary locking features 40a, 40b are centered within the terminal cavities 16a, 16b when the TPA device 34 is in the terminal insertion position 39.
- the secondary locking feature 42 of the TPA device 34 has a rigid second lock shoulder 56 defined by the TPA device 34. As best shown in Fig. 6B , the secondary locking features 42a, 42b are centered within the terminal cavities 16a, 16b when the TPA device 34 is in the terminal locking position 41.
- a typical electrical terminals 36a, 36b which generally include a forward contact portion 60, an intermediate body portion 62, and a rearward attachment portion 64 for attaching the terminal 36 to the insulated conductor wire 66.
- the body portion 62 leads to a locking surface 70.
- the terminals 36a, 36b are inserted into the terminal cavities 16a, 16b through the openings 18a, 18b at the insertion end 20 of the connector housing 14 when the TPA device 34 is in the terminal insertion position 39. As best shown in Fig.
- the body portion 62 when body portion 62 engages the ramp 52 of the flexible beam 44, the body portion 62 deflects the flexible beam 44 so that the ramp 52 of the flexible beam 44 rides over body portion 62 as the terminal 36 is further inserted within the TPA cavity 28.
- the first lock shoulder 54 reaches the locking surface 70, the flexible beam 44 springs back to a generally undeflected position and the first lock shoulder of the flexible beam 44 engages the locking surface 70 of the terminal 36, inhibiting the terminal 36 from being pulled back out of the insertion end 20 of the connector housing 14.
- the first lock shoulder is generally centered on the locking surfaces 70, i.e. the primary locking features 40a, 40b engage a mesial portion of the lock surfaces.
- the TPA device 34 is laterally moved within the TPA cavity 28 from the terminal insertion position 39 to the terminal locking position 41.
- the secondary locking features 42a, 42b are moved into the terminal cavities 16a, 16b so that the rigid second lock shoulder 56 now engages the locking surfaces 70 of the terminals 36a, 36b and is generally centered on the locking surfaces 70, i.e. the secondary locking features 42a, 42b engage a mesial portion of the locking surfaces 70.
- the first primary locking feature 40a is moved laterally so that it now engages a distal portion of the locking surface 70 of the first terminal 36a.
- the first primary locking feature 40a enters the adjacent terminal cavity 16 and engages a distal portion of the locking surface 70 of the second adjacent terminal 36b.
- the second primary locking feature 40a is moved laterally it now engages an opposing distal portion of the locking surface 70 of the second terminal 36b.
- Terminal cavity 16a as illustrated has only one adjacent terminal cavity 16b. Because there is only one adjacent cavity, primary locking features cannot enter terminal cavity 16a to engage a distal portion of the lock surface as described for adjacent terminal cavity 16b above. Therefore, to provide adequate securement, the secondary locking feature engages both the mesial portion of the lock surface and a distal portion of the lock surface.
- the connector housing 14 includes multiple terminal cavities 16a, 16b, so the TPA device 34 is positioned in the terminal insertion position 39 where the primary locking feature 40 holds each terminal 36a, 36b within its terminal cavity 16 until all of the terminals 36 are inserted into the terminal cavities 16. Once all of the terminal cavities 16 are filled, the TPA device 34 is moved into the terminal locking position 41 so that the terminals 36 are held within the terminal cavities 16 by the secondary locking feature 42.
- Each terminal 36a, 36b can be removed from its terminal cavity 16a, 16b by inserting a tool (not shown) into an access slot and depressing the primary locking feature 40a, 40b until the locking surface 70 is released by the first lock shoulder 54 when the TPA device 34 is in the terminal insertion position 39.
- the TPA device 34 can also be adapted for use in the corresponding mating connector designed to contain male terminals.
- an electrical connector 10 including a TPA device 34 is provided.
- the TPA device 34 has the benefit of rigidly engaging a locking surface 70 of the terminals 36a, 36b when the secondary locking features 42a, 42b are engaged, fully locking the terminals 36a, 36b within the terminal cavities 16a, 16b.
- the TPA device 34 also provides a reduction of positional float of the terminals 36a, 36b within the terminal cavities 16a, 16b which greatly improves the alignment of the terminals 36a, 36b within the connector housing 14 and reduces the chance of terminal push-out and/or terminal damage during connection with the corresponding mating connector.
- the primary locking features 40a, 40b are only required to hold the terminals 36a, 36b within the terminal cavities 16a, 16b during the terminal insertion process, the primary locking features 40a, 40b may be designed to optimize the terminal insertion force without regard to final retention force since that is separately provided by the secondary locking features 42a, 42b.
- the TPA device 34 is compatible with most polarized tangless ("clean body") defined by automotive OEMs as cavity compatible strategy terminals, e.g. Kaizen 0.64, Delphi MTS, OCS 1.5, OCS 2.8.
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- Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
Abstract
An electrical connector (10) including electrical terminals (36) along with a connector housing (14) defining a first and second cavity (28), the first and second cavities configured to receive the terminals (36). The connector housing (14) further defines a third internal cavity (28) extending along a lateral axis (Y). The electrical connector (10) includes a terminal position assurance (TPA) device (34) received within the third internal cavity (28). The TPA device (34) is moveable from an terminal insertion position (39) to a terminal locking position (41). The TPA device (34) has flexible first and second primary locking features (40a, 40b) configured to engage locking features of the terminals (36). The TPA device (34) also includes rigid first and second secondary locking features (42a, 42b). The second secondary locking feature (42b) and the first and second primary locking features (40a, 40b) are configured to engage the corresponding locking feature of an electrical terminal (36) effective to secure the second electrical terminal (36b) within the second internal cavity (16b) when the TPA device (34) is in the terminal locking position (41).
Description
- The invention relates to electrical connectors, and more particularly relates to an electrical connector including a terminal position assurance device having two sets of terminal locking features.
- Electrical terminals locked into a connector housing are subject to retention strength performance issues, especially with the smaller size categories of terminals (e.g. less than 2.8 mm). These smaller terminals historically have used scaled down locking features, which inherently have reduced locking retention strength and allow excessive terminal float. An excessively floating terminal can stub during mating, resulting in the terminal pushing out, and/or terminal damage especially if the retention strength within the connector housing is low. Within the automotive industry, inadequately locked terminals which pull out or push out, are recognized as the second highest root cause for failure of electrical connector systems within the vehicle warranty period.
- Electrical connectors typically comprise internal cavities that are intended to accommodate electrical (male and/or female) terminals inserted from a rear face of the electrical connector. To ensure a well and safe functioning of the connector, it has to be ensured that the electrical terminals are locked in place within the electrical connector.
- A solution known in the art includes providing a primary locking feature in form of a resilient retaining shoulder for preventing rearward withdrawal of the electrical terminals. The retaining shoulder, which is formed in the electrical connector, is designed to make a snap fit into a corresponding recess of the electrical connector at the end of the insertion of the electrical connector. A flexible retaining member is thereby disposed contiguously between the internal cavity and a slot, into which the retaining member can deflect. The retaining shoulder is formed on the face of the flexible retaining member that communicates with the internal cavity, such that on inserting the electrical terminal into the internal cavity, the retaining member first deflects in the slot before the retaining shoulder engages the recess of the electrical terminal.
- In order to secure the primary locking, it is known, e.g. from
U.S. Patent No. 6,132,252 , to insert an additional locking member built as a rail into the slot next to the retaining member as a secondary locking. The electrical terminal being fully inserted into the internal cavity and the primary locking being engaged, the locking member is inserted into the slot from a front face of the electrical connector according to a direction corresponding to the loading direction of the electrical terminal. The retaining member is thus prevented from being flexed away from the internal cavity, thereby firmly retaining the electrical terminal. If the electrical terminal is incompletely inserted into the internal cavity, the retaining member is maintained in a deflected position into the slot, such that the locking member cannot be mounted. - The secondary locking mechanism known in the art requires a locking member being inserted frontward of the electrical connector in the direction opposite to that of the insertion of the electrical terminal. However, the configuration of the electrical connector may be such that a frontward insertion of the locking member is not possible, e.g. because there is not enough space at the front face side. In addition, the retaining members in connectors used with smaller terminals may easily buckle, terminal tangs may bend, and secondary locking mechanism may provide limited additional strength due to packaging constraints with terminals smaller than 2.8 mm. These solutions to date have only met the minimum terminal retention requirements, in many cases, all with little to no performance margin.
- The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also be inventions.
- In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, an electrical connector is provided. The electrical connector includes a first electrical terminal, a second electrical terminal and a connector housing defining a first internal cavity and a second internal cavity. Each cavity extends along a longitudinal axis from a first face of the connector housing to a second face of the connector housing. The first and second internal cavities are configured to receive the first and second electrical terminals respectively. The connector housing further defines a third internal cavity extending along a lateral axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. The third internal cavity is in communication with the first and second internal cavities. The electrical connector further includes a terminal position assurance (TPA) device configured to be received within the third internal cavity. The TPA device is moveable from a terminal insertion position within the third internal cavity to a terminal locking position. The TPA device has flexible first and second primary locking features that are configured to engage corresponding locking surfaces of the first and second electrical terminals respectively. The primary locking features are effective to secure the first and second electrical terminals within the first and second internal cavities respectively when the TPA device is in the terminal insertion position within the third internal cavity. The TPA device also has rigid first and second secondary locking features. The second secondary locking feature and the first and second primary locking features are configured to engage the locking surface of the second electrical terminal effective to secure the second electrical terminal within the second internal cavity when the TPA device is in the terminal locking position.
- The first and second primary locking features engage distal portions of the locking surface of the second electrical terminal and the second secondary locking feature engages a mesial portion of the corresponding locking feature of the second electrical terminal.
- According to one particular embodiment, only the first primary locking feature and the first secondary locking feature is engaged with the locking surface of the first electrical terminal to secure the first electrical terminal within the first internal cavity when the TPA device is in the terminal locking position.
- The first primary locking feature may engage a distal portion of the locking surface of the first electrical terminal and the first secondary locking feature engages a mesial portion of the locking surface of the first electrical terminal. The first secondary locking feature may further engage another distal of the locking surface of the first electrical terminal.
- The TPA device is configured to move from the terminal insertion position to the terminal locking position along the lateral axis and move transversely relative to the longitudinal axis. The TPA device is configured to be inserted in the third internal cavity transversally to the first and second internal cavities through a lateral opening defined by the connector housing.
- Each primary locking feature comprises a flexible beam that is attached at one end to a cross bar of the TPA device. A free end of the flexible beam defines a first lock shoulder. Each secondary locking feature of the TPA device defines a rigid second lock shoulder defined by the cross bar of the TPA device.
- The first lock shoulder of the flexible beam engages the locking surface of the corresponding electrical terminal when the TPA devices is in the terminal insertion position and in the terminal locking position. The second lock shoulder engages the locking surface of the corresponding electrical terminal when the TPA devices is in the terminal locking position.
- The present invention will now be described, by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
Fig. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a electrical connector including a movable terminal position assurance (TPA) device and a corresponding mating electrical connector in accordance with one embodiment. -
Fig. 2 is a exploded perspective view of the electrical connector ofFig. 1 including the TPA device in accordance with one embodiment; -
Fig. 3 is a top view of the TPA device ofFig 1 in accordance with one embodiment; -
Fig. 4A is a cross sectional front view of the electrical connector ofFig. 1 with the TPA device in a terminal insertion position in accordance with one embodiment; -
Fig. 4B is a close-up cross sectional front view of the movable TPA device ofFig. 1 engaging an electrical terminal while the TPA device is in the terminal insertion position ofFig. 4A in accordance with one embodiment; -
Fig. 5 is a cross sectional side view of the TPA device ofFig. 1 engaging the electrical terminal while the TPA device is in the terminal insertion position ofFig. 4A in accordance with one embodiment; -
Fig. 6A is a cross sectional front view of the electrical connector ofFig. 1 with the TPA device in a terminal locking position in accordance with one embodiment; -
Fig. 6B is a close-up cross sectional front view of the TPA device ofFig. 1 engaging the electrical terminal while the TPA device is in the terminal locking position ofFig. 6A in accordance with one embodiment; and -
Fig. 7 is a cross sectional side view of the TPA device ofFig. 1 engaging the electrical terminal while the TPA device is in the terminal locking position ofFig. 6A in accordance with one embodiment. - Presented herein is an electrical connector including a moveable terminal position assurance (TPA) device. The TPA device secures the contacts or terminals of the connector within cavities in the connector housing once the terminals are fully inserted within the housing. The TPA device incorporates a flexible primary lock finger to engage a lock ridge of a terminal thus locating and securing the terminal within a cavity as the terminal is inserted into the cavity while the TPA device is in a terminal insertion position. After insertion of all the terminals into the cavities of the connector housing, the TPA device is moved to a terminal locking position. This movement to the terminal locking position engages a rigid secondary lock on the TPA device with the lock ridge of the terminal in addition to the primary lock finger to further secure the terminal within the cavity.
- Cross-referencing
Figs. 1-7 , details of a non-limiting example of anelectrical connector 10 can be seen. Theelectrical connector 10 is configured to mate with a corresponding mating connector (not shown). Aconnector housing 14 of theelectrical connector 10 has a firstinternal cavity 16a, hereinafter referred to as aterminal cavity 16a that extends along a longitudinal axis X of theconnector housing 14 from anopening 18a in afirst face 20, hereinafter referred to as aninsertion end 20, of theconnector housing 14 to an opening 22a into an integral socket 24 in asecond face 26, hereinafter referred to as amating end 26, of theconnector housing 14. Theconnector housing 14 has a secondinternal cavity 16b, hereinafter referred to as an adjacentterminal cavity 16b, that also extends along the longitudinal axis X from anopening 18b in theinsertion end 20 to an opening 22b in themating end 26. Theconnector housing 14 also has thirdinternal cavity 28 that extends along a lateral axis Y of theconnector housing 14 that is transverse, or generally perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis X. As used herein, generally perpendicular is ± 10° of absolutely perpendicular. This thirdinternal cavity 28 defines anopening 30 in alateral wall 32 of theconnector housing 14 that is configured to receive a terminal position assurance (TPA)device 34 that is configured to secureelectrical terminals terminal cavities terminals terminal cavities - The
TPA device 34 is formed of a dielectric material, such as polyamide, polypropylene, or polybutylene terephthalate. At least onewall 38 of theterminal cavities internal cavity 28, hereinafter referred to as aTPA cavity 28. TheTPA device 34 is movable within theTPA cavity 28 from anterminal insertion position 39 in which theTPA device 34 is disposed before the terminal 36 is inserted into theterminal cavity 16 to aterminal locking position 41 in which theTPA device 34 is disposed after the terminal 36 is fully inserted within theterminal cavity 16. - The
TPA device 34 includes flexible primary locking features 40a, 40b and rigid secondary locking features 42a, 42b each configured to secure theterminals terminal cavities TPA device 34 and theTPA cavity 28 are configured to that theTPA device 34 slides laterally within theTPA cavity 28. The primary locking features 40a, 40b includeflexible beams 44 that are attached at one end to theTPA device 34. Theflexible beams 44 extend along the longitudinal axis X. An unattached end 50 of eachflexible beam 44 defines aramp 52 that slopes toward theinsertion end 20 of theconnector housing 14. Theramp 52 leads to afirst lock shoulder 54 that is preferably, but not necessarily, set at a slight back angle. - As best shown in
Fig. 4B , the primary locking features 40a, 40b are centered within theterminal cavities TPA device 34 is in theterminal insertion position 39. - The
secondary locking feature 42 of theTPA device 34 has a rigidsecond lock shoulder 56 defined by theTPA device 34. As best shown inFig. 6B , the secondary locking features 42a, 42b are centered within theterminal cavities TPA device 34 is in theterminal locking position 41. - Focusing now on a typical
electrical terminals forward contact portion 60, anintermediate body portion 62, and arearward attachment portion 64 for attaching the terminal 36 to theinsulated conductor wire 66. Thebody portion 62 leads to a lockingsurface 70. Theterminals terminal cavities openings insertion end 20 of theconnector housing 14 when theTPA device 34 is in theterminal insertion position 39. As best shown inFig. 5 , whenbody portion 62 engages theramp 52 of theflexible beam 44, thebody portion 62 deflects theflexible beam 44 so that theramp 52 of theflexible beam 44 rides overbody portion 62 as the terminal 36 is further inserted within theTPA cavity 28. When thefirst lock shoulder 54 reaches the lockingsurface 70, theflexible beam 44 springs back to a generally undeflected position and the first lock shoulder of theflexible beam 44 engages the lockingsurface 70 of the terminal 36, inhibiting the terminal 36 from being pulled back out of theinsertion end 20 of theconnector housing 14. The first lock shoulder is generally centered on the locking surfaces 70, i.e. the primary locking features 40a, 40b engage a mesial portion of the lock surfaces. - After the
terminals terminal cavities terminal cavities TPA device 34 is laterally moved within theTPA cavity 28 from theterminal insertion position 39 to theterminal locking position 41. The secondary locking features 42a, 42b are moved into theterminal cavities second lock shoulder 56 now engages the locking surfaces 70 of theterminals - As the TPA device slides from and the
terminal insertion position 39 to theterminal locking position 41, the firstprimary locking feature 40a is moved laterally so that it now engages a distal portion of the lockingsurface 70 of thefirst terminal 36a. As the firstprimary locking feature 40a slides laterally with the TPA device, the firstprimary locking feature 40a enters the adjacentterminal cavity 16 and engages a distal portion of the lockingsurface 70 of the secondadjacent terminal 36b. As the secondprimary locking feature 40a is moved laterally it now engages an opposing distal portion of the lockingsurface 70 of thesecond terminal 36b. -
Terminal cavity 16a as illustrated has only one adjacentterminal cavity 16b. Because there is only one adjacent cavity, primary locking features cannot enterterminal cavity 16a to engage a distal portion of the lock surface as described for adjacentterminal cavity 16b above. Therefore, to provide adequate securement, the secondary locking feature engages both the mesial portion of the lock surface and a distal portion of the lock surface. - As illustrated in
Figs. 1-7 , theconnector housing 14 includes multipleterminal cavities TPA device 34 is positioned in theterminal insertion position 39 where theprimary locking feature 40 holds each terminal 36a, 36b within itsterminal cavity 16 until all of theterminals 36 are inserted into theterminal cavities 16. Once all of theterminal cavities 16 are filled, theTPA device 34 is moved into theterminal locking position 41 so that theterminals 36 are held within theterminal cavities 16 by thesecondary locking feature 42. - Each terminal 36a, 36b can be removed from its
terminal cavity primary locking feature surface 70 is released by thefirst lock shoulder 54 when theTPA device 34 is in theterminal insertion position 39. - While the
electrical connector 10 shown inFigs. 1-7 is designed to containfemale terminals 36, theTPA device 34 can also be adapted for use in the corresponding mating connector designed to contain male terminals. - Accordingly an
electrical connector 10 including aTPA device 34 is provided. TheTPA device 34 has the benefit of rigidly engaging a lockingsurface 70 of theterminals terminals terminal cavities TPA device 34 also provides a reduction of positional float of theterminals terminal cavities terminals connector housing 14 and reduces the chance of terminal push-out and/or terminal damage during connection with the corresponding mating connector. Because the primary locking features 40a, 40b are only required to hold theterminals terminal cavities - Engineering evaluation of the design of this
electrical connector 10 has shown that terminal retention force for 1.5 mm terminals exceeded automotive OEM performance specification requirements by 124% (179 N vs 80 N OEM standard). The performance of theelectrical connector 10 exceeded the terminal pull out force performance of prior art electrical connector designs without the TPA device by 56% (179 N vs 115 N). Similar performance improvements for 0.64 mm terminals are also expected. - The
TPA device 34 is compatible with most polarized tangless ("clean body") defined by automotive OEMs as cavity compatible strategy terminals, e.g. Kaizen 0.64, Delphi MTS, OCS 1.5, OCS 2.8. - While this invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiments thereof, it is not intended to be so limited, but rather only to the extent set forth in the claims that follow. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. does not denote any order of importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
Claims (12)
- Electrical connector (10), comprising:a first electrical terminal (36) and a second electrical terminal (36b);a connector housing (14) defining a first internal cavity (16a) and a second internal cavity (16b), each extending along a longitudinal axis (X) from a first face (20) of the connector housing (14) to a second face (26) of the connector housing (14), said first and second internal cavities (16a, 16b) configured to receive the first and second electrical terminals (36a, 36b) respectively, the connector housing (14) further defining a third internal cavity (28) extending along a lateral axis (Y) transverse to the longitudinal axis (X), wherein the third internal cavity (28) is in communication with the first and second internal cavities (16a, 16b); anda terminal (36) position assurance (TPA) device (34) configured to be received within the third internal cavity (28) and moveable from an terminal insertion position (39) within the third internal cavity (28) to a terminal locking position (41), the TPA device (34) further comprising:flexible first and second primary locking features (40a, 40b) configured to engage corresponding locking surfaces (70) of the first and second electrical terminals (36a, 36b) respectively effective to secure the first and second electrical terminals (36a, 36b) within the first and second internal cavities (16a, 16b) respectively when the TPA device (34) is in the terminal insertion position (39) within the third internal cavity (28), andrigid first and second secondary locking features (42a, 42b), wherein the second secondary locking feature (42b) and the first and second primary locking features (40a, 40b) are configured to engage the locking surface (70) of the second electrical terminal (36b) effective to secure the second electrical terminal (36b) within the second internal cavity (16b) when the TPA device (34) is in the terminal locking position (41).
- Electrical connector (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first and second primary locking features (40a, 40b) engage distal portions of the locking surface (70) of the second electrical terminal (36b) and the second secondary locking feature (42b) engages a mesial portion of the corresponding locking feature of the second electrical terminal (36b).
- Electrical connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein only the first primary locking feature (40a) and the first secondary locking feature (42a) is engaged with the locking surface (70) of the first electrical terminal (36a) to secure the first electrical terminal (36a) within the first internal cavity (16a) when the TPA device (34) is in the terminal locking position (41).
- Electrical connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first primary locking feature (40a) engages a distal portion of the locking surface (70) of the first electrical terminal (36a) and the first secondary locking feature (42a) engages a mesial portion of the locking surface (70) of the first electrical terminal (36a).
- Electrical connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first secondary locking feature (42a) further engages another distal of the locking surface (70) of the first electrical terminal (36a).
- Electrical connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the TPA device (34) is configured to move from the terminal insertion position (39) to the terminal locking position (41) along the lateral axis (Y) and move transversely relative to the longitudinal axis (X).
- Electrical connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the TPA device (34) is configured to be inserted in the third internal cavity (28) transversally to the first and second internal cavities (16a, 16b) through a lateral opening (18a) defined by the connector housing (14).
- Electrical connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each primary locking feature (40) comprises a flexible beam (44) that is attached at one end to a cross bar of the TPA device (34), wherein a free end of the flexible beam (44) defines a first lock shoulder (54).
- Electrical connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each secondary locking feature (42) of the TPA device (34) defines a rigid second lock shoulder (56) defined by the cross bar of the TPA device (34).
- Electrical connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first lock shoulder (54) of the flexible beam (44) engages the locking surface (70) of the corresponding electrical terminal (36) when the TPA devices is in the terminal insertion position (39) and in the terminal locking position (41).
- Electrical connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second lock shoulder (56) engages the locking surface (70) of the corresponding electrical terminal (36) when the TPA device (34) is in the terminal locking position (41).
- Wire harness assembly, comprising:a plurality of insulated conductor wires (66); andan electrical connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201514944883A | 2015-11-18 | 2015-11-18 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3171459A1 true EP3171459A1 (en) | 2017-05-24 |
Family
ID=57345830
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP16199420.7A Withdrawn EP3171459A1 (en) | 2015-11-18 | 2016-11-17 | Electrical connector with a terminal position assurance device |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP3171459A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2017098222A (en) |
CN (1) | CN107026352A (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US10784625B2 (en) | 2018-10-31 | 2020-09-22 | Yazaki Corporation | Connector including fitting assuring component |
US10826220B1 (en) | 2019-09-25 | 2020-11-03 | Lear Corporation | Electrical connector having electrical terminal servicing feature |
US10897103B1 (en) | 2019-09-12 | 2021-01-19 | Aptiv Technologies Limited | Electrical connector with seal protection |
US10923833B2 (en) | 2019-06-14 | 2021-02-16 | Aptiv Technologies Limited | Reinforced female wire terminal |
US10950967B2 (en) | 2019-04-15 | 2021-03-16 | Lear Corporation | Electric terminal housing with a terminal lock |
CN113036531A (en) * | 2021-03-04 | 2021-06-25 | 宣城立讯精密工业有限公司 | Locking structure and electric connector |
US11217938B2 (en) | 2019-10-17 | 2022-01-04 | Yazaki Corporation | Connector with backlash filling protrusion |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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JP6653296B2 (en) * | 2017-08-04 | 2020-02-26 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | connector |
JP6939400B2 (en) * | 2017-10-24 | 2021-09-22 | 株式会社オートネットワーク技術研究所 | How to assemble connectors, jigs, and terminals to connectors |
US10446969B2 (en) * | 2017-12-01 | 2019-10-15 | Te Connectivity India Private Limited | Electrical connector with terminal position assurance member |
CN109546442B (en) * | 2018-11-29 | 2020-05-29 | 安徽江淮汽车集团股份有限公司 | Automobile wire harness plug-in unit with automatic terminal locking function |
JP7398238B2 (en) * | 2019-10-17 | 2023-12-14 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | connector |
CN110718793B (en) * | 2019-10-25 | 2020-11-27 | 浙江新宝汽车电器有限公司 | Prevent virtual connector structure of inserting |
JP7431190B2 (en) * | 2021-03-25 | 2024-02-14 | 日本端子株式会社 | Electrical connector and electrical connector pair equipped with the same |
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US5830013A (en) * | 1997-03-07 | 1998-11-03 | Yazaki Corporation | Electric connector |
US6132252A (en) | 1998-05-05 | 2000-10-17 | Framatome Connectors International | Electrical connector with locking of the contact terminals |
-
2016
- 2016-08-31 JP JP2016168996A patent/JP2017098222A/en active Pending
- 2016-09-20 CN CN201611201804.3A patent/CN107026352A/en active Pending
- 2016-11-17 EP EP16199420.7A patent/EP3171459A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US5830013A (en) * | 1997-03-07 | 1998-11-03 | Yazaki Corporation | Electric connector |
US6132252A (en) | 1998-05-05 | 2000-10-17 | Framatome Connectors International | Electrical connector with locking of the contact terminals |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10784625B2 (en) | 2018-10-31 | 2020-09-22 | Yazaki Corporation | Connector including fitting assuring component |
US10950967B2 (en) | 2019-04-15 | 2021-03-16 | Lear Corporation | Electric terminal housing with a terminal lock |
US10923833B2 (en) | 2019-06-14 | 2021-02-16 | Aptiv Technologies Limited | Reinforced female wire terminal |
US10897103B1 (en) | 2019-09-12 | 2021-01-19 | Aptiv Technologies Limited | Electrical connector with seal protection |
US10826220B1 (en) | 2019-09-25 | 2020-11-03 | Lear Corporation | Electrical connector having electrical terminal servicing feature |
US11217938B2 (en) | 2019-10-17 | 2022-01-04 | Yazaki Corporation | Connector with backlash filling protrusion |
CN113036531A (en) * | 2021-03-04 | 2021-06-25 | 宣城立讯精密工业有限公司 | Locking structure and electric connector |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CN107026352A (en) | 2017-08-08 |
JP2017098222A (en) | 2017-06-01 |
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